Universal Case Lube Tray

ABSTRACT

A case lube tray having an integrally formed polyurethane casing is provided. The case lube tray openings define a plurality of lubricating chambers being used to lubricate shell casings in a horizontal position. The lubricating chambers are mounted on the top frame of the case and are arranged in an array of horizontal rows and vertical columns. Each lubricating chambers features semicircle flooring and a floor center. The semicircle flooring is linear and is supported by front and back lateral walls. The floor center of each lubricating chamber has centrally disposed lateral slots that further allow a user to erect and lubricate shell cases in a vertical position.

CLAIM TO DOMESTIC PRIORITY

The present non-provisional application claims priority of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/132,555 entitled “Universal CaseLube Tray”, filed Mar. 13, 2015, by Carl B. Boyd, the entire contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a case lube tray apparatus designed toassist with the organization, positioning and lubrication of firearmcartridges used in the reloading process.

Reloading refers to the private manufacture of cartridges and shellcases (hereinafter cases) using previously fired cases and shotgun hullsusing new bullets, shot, primers, and powder. Reloading is also theprocess of loading firearm cartridges or shotgun shells by assemblingthe required components rather than purchasing completely assembled,factory-loaded ammunition.

Loading trays are a necessary part of the reloading process. The usercan stay organized and continue the reloading process with smallerbatches of cases. The cases can remain stationary and prevent dust andother debris from covering the reloading area. The loading trays arealso helpful to prevent brass from falling over on a workbench andfurther causing a messy reloading process. Most loading trays haveeither a universal one-size-fits-all design or are specialized to loadcartridges or cases based on a designated size or a particular family.

Common motivations for reloading cartridges and cases include hobbyinterest, economy, commercial ammunition shortages and performance. Auser can save money and retain a high quantity and quality of ammunitionon a budget. Besides economy, additional motivations to reload mightinclude increased accuracy, performance or hobby interests.

Reloading of firearm cartridges involves force and therefore thecartridges or cases would require lubrication during the reloadingprocess. A lubricant creates and retains a barrier between the cases andthe reloading elements. It also prevents the cases from being lodged inthe barrel of a rifle or pistol and prevents scratches on the exteriorsurface.

Case lubricants such as waxes are formulated with extreme pressureadditives. Extreme pressure additives for lubricants would decrease wearand tear of the parts of the cases after being exposed to very highpressure. Extreme pressure additives would typically contain a varietyof chemicals which include but are not limited to chlorine compounds orsulphur-phosporous-boron compounds. These chemicals react with theconfined metal surfaces of the cases under high-pressure conditions.Extreme pressure additives used to lubricate early cases included leadsoaps and active sulfur or chlorinated compounds. The compounds werelater replaced with zinc and phosphorous compounds such as zincdithiophosphate.

Currently, the lubrication of brass cases is performed in one of fourways. The first is hand lubrication. This method involves lubricatingeach individual case by applying a jell or paste-like lubricant to thetip of one's finger or on a Q-Tip and manually applying the lubricant tothe case. This method is time intensive and not efficient.

The second known method of lubrication is the fish and chicken method.This process incorporates the use of a case lube spray. This involvesplacing the cases in a plastic bag and applying the lubricant byspraying the lubricant into the bag. One then shakes the bag to mix thelubricant over the brass shell cases. This process is similar toapplying batter to fish or chicken. This method is more efficient thatthe first. One is able to lubricate more cases in a shorter period oftime but this method has three inherent flaws. First, not all cases areequally and thoroughly lubricated. Second, the interior portion of thecases become wet and contaminated with the lubricant, thereby dissolvingand diluting the gunpowder. Third, one has to wait a minimum of fiveminutes to allow the interior of the cases to dry prior to initiatingthe reloading process.

Case lube pads are a third method to lubricate cases. The user of a caselube pad must apply a lubricating jell or paste to the pad and roll thecases over the pad. This process can become quite messy. One can onlylubricate a very small number of cases in each session. Finally, thecases can become disorganized and often scattered because the case lubepad has no walls or individual cylinders.

The fourth means and modality used to lubricate cases requires one toposition the cases in a case loading tray or ammo loading tray. Thistray has the capacity to hold 50 cases in a vertical position. The shellcases are oriented in the tray with the primer side down and the neck oropen end of the cases facing up. To lubricate these cases, the re-loadersimply sprays the case lube over the cases with the primer side of thecases down. This method's efficiency is equivalent to the Fish andChicken Method. One is able to lubricate more cases in a shorter periodof time but this method has three inherent flaws. First, not all casesare equally and thoroughly lubricated. Second, the interior portion ofthe cases become wet and contaminated with the lubricant; therebydissolving and diluting the gunpowder. Third, one has to wait a minimumof five minutes to allow the interior of the cases to dry prior toinitiating the reloading process.

To this end, the universal case lube tray of the present invention willmake the reloading process easier and more enjoyable. There is quick andeasy access to 50 rounds of cases that are easily transported afterlubrication.

The cases can be oriented horizontally and vertically. This versatilepositioning provides for lubricating chambers being arranged in an arrayof horizontal rows and vertical columns. The position of a case can bere-adjusted from a vertical lubrication position to a horizontal layouton the semicircle flooring of each of the lubricating chambers.

The case lube tray provides for equal and thorough lubrication of thecases. It is also easier to avoid wetting and contaminating the interiorsegment of the cases. Compromising the dryness of the interior wouldcause the gunpowder to dissolve and dilute. If a horizontal position isdesired, a user is able to rotate the cases without the cases physicallymoving down the lube tray. A spray lubricant is applied to the cases,the user then rotates the shells 180 degrees with a slight hand motionand sprays the lubricant a second time for an even application. In avertical position, the lubricating chamber becomes an engaging means tospread the lubricant as the case is turned about its axis. Excesslubricant would then adhere to the flooring, front lateral wall and backlateral wall of the lubricating chamber. Immediately following thislubrication process, the cases can be resized and further processed byadding the primer, gun powder and bullet necessary to create thereloaded ammunition.

The horizontal and vertical positioning makes it easy to add or removecases when the case lube tray is full and makes the reloading processmore efficient. A single case is easily gripped and removed withoutjamming the fingers downward into a crowded tray of cases. Finally, thecases can remain organized and the walls of individual lubricatingchambers can prevent the cases from rolling off the top frame.

The simple and convenient polyurethane construction allows for auniversal molding of the case lube tray into various sizes and colors toclosely fit a variety of pistol or rifle cases.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an objective of the present invention to address theabove concerns and to provide a new apparatus to improve the efficiencyand effectiveness of lubricating firearm cartridges and cases used inthe reloading process. As such, the general purpose of the presentinvention is to provide a new and improved case lube tray designed toassist with the organization, positioning and lubrication of firearmcases.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved case lube tray having a plurality of lubricating chambers andeach lubricating chamber featuring a semicircle flooring and a floorcenter. The array of lubricating chambers will make the reloadingprocess easier and provide quick and easy access to 50 rounds of casesafter lubrication.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a case lubetray which provides for the orientation of cases in a horizontalposition. After a spray lubricant is applied, the user can rotate thecases 180 degrees with a slight hand motion and spray the lubricant asecond time for an even application.

Still another objective of the present invention is to provide a novelcase lube tray of simple and inexpensive construction, for use withfirearm cases and having a universal molding for production into varioussizes and colors to closely fit a variety of pistol or rifle cases.

Additional advantages and features of the present invention will becomemore apparent when considered in light of the following specificationand drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the case lube tray.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the case lube.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the case lube.

FIG. 4 is a cutaway view of the interior frame of the case lube tray.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the case lube tray.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the case lube tray.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the case lube tray.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows the preferred embodiment ofthe case lube tray of the present invention generally indicated by thenumeral 10. The case lube tray 10 has an exterior frame and is providedwith a top frame 12, a front wall 14, a back wall 16, and side walls 18being integral and forming a generally rectangular-shaped base 22. Thetop frame 12 is provided with openings defining a plurality oflubricating chambers 24.

The lubricating chambers 24 are mounting and lubricating means for shellcases 26 and are arranged in an array of horizontal rows and verticalcolumns. The shell cases 26 are mounted in a horizontal manner in eachlubricating chamber 24 and prepared for lubrication. The user caninspect the lot and search for damaged shell cases 26, residual brassshavings from case-trimming and sort the shell cases 26 by size. Theshape of each lubricating chamber 24 is such that appropriate spacing iskept between each shell case 26 and provides a chamber for improvedlubrication while maintaining an arrangement of organized shell cases26.

Variations of spray lubricants include but are not limited to Cabela'sCase Spray Lubricant, and Hornady's Case Lube Spray, RCBS Case SlickSpray Lube, Rem Oil Spray. Jell or Paste lubricants include, but are notlimited to, MEC Collet Lubricant, Layman Orange Magic Premium BulletLube, RCBS Case Lube, Hornady Case Sizing Lube, Hornaday Unique CaseLube and Lee Resizing Lubricant.

A variety of shell cases 26 can be used. These can include the .45-70rifle cartridge, also known as .45-70 Government and was developed atthe United States Army Springfield Armory, the 17 Hornady Mach 2, or .17HM2, the .17 Hornady Magnum Ri fire (4.5×27 mmR), commonly known as the.17 HLMR, .22 Long Rifle rimfire (metric designation: 5.6×15 mmR), the.22 Winchester Magnum rimfire (5.6×27 mmR), the 5 mm/35 SMc, (.22 Hornetor 5.6×35 mmR, the .223 Remington, .223 WSSM (Winchester Super ShotMagnum), the .223 WSSM (Winchester Super Short Magnum, 5.56×42 mm), .243Winchester (6×52 mm) and the Ackley family of wildcat cartridgesincluding the .17 caliber (4.5 mm) centerfre cartridge.

There is provided within each of the lubricating chambers 24 asemicircle or half-circle style flooring 28 with a linear dispositionand a floor center 32. Against the front peripheral edge 38 and backperipheral edge 42 of the semicircle flooring 28 are the front lateralwall 34 and a back lateral wall 36. The front lateral wall 34 and theback lateral wall 36 extend upwardly and are connected to the top frame12 of the case lube tray 10. The semicircle flooring 28 hold the shellcases 26 in a horizontal configuration and the back end 44 and front end46 of the shell cases 26 rest along the front lateral wall 34 and theback lateral wall 36 of the lubricating chambers 24. The lower portionsof the shell cases 26 are inset relative to the top frame 12 of the caselube tray 10 and are inset to about one ½ of their width.

The floor center 32 has circular slots 48 that are centrally disposed onthe semicircle flooring 28. These circular slots 48 allow a user toerect the shell cases 26 vertically and in a manner to lubricate andstore the shell cases 26. The circular slots 48 are shaped to fit avariety of shell cases 26 and are at least about ½ inch.

The base 22 has a plurality of support columns 52 to stabilize the caselube tray 10 and for supporting the case lube tray 10 in an uprightposition. The support columns 52 extend downward from the case lube tray10 and each support column 52 is connected to the bottom flooring 54 ofthe lubricating chamber 24. Each lubricating chamber 24 has a bottomflooring 54 for reception of the support columns 52. The support columns52 extending the periphery of the top frame 12.

The case lube tray 10 is a 50 shell case 26 holder having 5 five rowsand 10 columns. It is about 1.5 inches in height, 6 inches in length andabout 8 inches in width. The case lube tray 10 features 50 slots oflubricating chambers 24 having a width of about 0.49 inches and a lengthof about 0.965 inches. The lubricating chambers 24 have a longitudinaldepth of about 0.28 inches, are mounting and lubricating means for 50shell cases 26 and are adapted to accommodate the shell cases 26 forhand-guns having calibers 22 to 45. The lubricating chambers 24 are alsomounting means for bullet shell cases 26 for rifles having calibers 223to 250 browning machine gun.

This case lube tray 10 can be utilized primarily in the cartridge orammunition reloading process. However, it can also be utilized tolubricate or store various sizes of bolts, screws, wires, fuses, weldingmaterials or similar type fasteners.

In the embodiment as disclosed herein, the case lube tray 10 isconstructed of a polyurethane material as are the lubricating chambers24 and their components. In assembly, all parts are integral andtherefore a user can mount, inspect, size, organize and lubricate shellcases 26 in each lubricating chamber 24 without the polyurethanestructure becoming bent or compressed. This provides for a light-weightconstructed container having a strong tensile force against wear andtear from damaged brass, rough metal edges or brass shavings. Theconfiguration of each lubricating chamber 24 withstands pressure withoutbuckling, distorting, or failing at the front peripheral edge 38 andback peripheral edge 42.

The foregoing description and drawings are an explanation andillustration of the invention and the invention is not limited thereto.Those skilled in the art who have access to the disclosure hereinattempt to make modifications and variations without departing from thescope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A case lube tray having an exterior framecomprising: a. A top frame, a front wall, a back wall, and side wallsbeing integral and forming a generally rectangular-shaped base; said topframe being provided with openings defining a plurality of lubricatingchambers; said lubricating chambers being mounting means for shellcases; said lubricating chambers being arranged in an array ofhorizontal rows and vertical columns; each of said lubricating chambershaving a semicircle flooring and a floor center; said semicircleflooring being linear and being connected to a front lateral wall and aback lateral wall along the front peripheral edge and back peripheraledge of said semicircle flooring; said semicircle flooring holding saidshell cases in a horizontal configuration and the back end and front endof said shell cases resting along said front lateral wall and said backlateral wall of said lubricating chambers; said floor center havingcircular slots that are centrally disposed on said semicircle flooring;said circular slots allowing a user to erect said shell cases verticallyand in a manner to lubricate said shell cases; said circular slots beingshaped to fit a variety of said shell cases; the lower portions of saidshell cases being inset relative to said top frame of said case lubetray and being inset to about ½ of its width; said base having aplurality of support columns to stabilize said case lube tray and forsupporting said case lube tray in an upright position; said supportcolumns extending downward from said case lube tray and being connectedto the bottom flooring of each of said lubricating chamber.
 2. The caselube tray of claim 1 wherein said case lube tray is a 50 shell caseholder having 5 five rows and 10 columns.
 3. The case lube tray of claim1 wherein said case lube tray is about 1.5 inches in height.
 4. The caselube tray of claim 1 wherein said case lube tray is about 6 inches inlength.
 5. The case lube tray of claim 1 wherein said case lube tray isabout 8 inches in width.
 6. The lubricating chambers of claim 1 whereinsaid lubricating chambers have a width about 0.49 inches.
 7. Thelubricating chambers of claim 1 wherein said lubricating chambers have alength of about 0.965 inches.
 8. The lubricating chambers of claim 1wherein the longitudinal depth of said lubricating chamber is about 0.28inches.
 9. The lubricating chambers of claim 1 wherein said lubricatingchambers are 50 slots.
 10. The lubricating chambers of claim 1 whereinsaid lubricating chambers accommodate 50 of said shell cases in ahorizontal position.
 11. The lubricating chambers of claim 1 whereinsaid lubricating chambers accommodate 50 shell cases in a verticalposition.
 12. The lubricating chambers of claim 1 wherein saidlubricating chambers are arranged in 5 rows and having 10 columns ineach row.
 13. The lubricating chambers of claim 1 wherein saidlubricating chambers are mounting means for about 50 of said shellcases.
 14. The lubricating chambers of claim 1 wherein said lubricatingchambers are mounting means for hand gun shell cases guns calibers 22 to45.
 15. The lubricating chambers of claim 1 wherein said lubricatingchambers are mounting means for rifle shell cases having calibers 223 to250 browning machine gun.
 16. The circular slots of claim 1 wherein saidcircular slots are about ½ inch.
 17. The case lube tray of claim 1wherein said case lube tray is made of a polyurethane material.